"We have a really talented defense," Hartl said. "That I think is our biggest asset."

Offensively, Kreuder and Franzese led the way, each going 2-3 with one RBI. Kreuder had singled home junior Danielle Feinberg in the first to give Harvard an early 1-0 lead.

Harvard 2, Hartford 0

A loss in game one wouldn't end the Hawks' catchy jungles, however.

It's just too bad they didn't sing, "I've Got Plenty of Nothing" to describe their offensive performance in game two.

Sophomore Rachel Salzman and freshman Tasha Cupp combined to five-hit and shut out the Hawks in a 2-0 victory, as Hartl's two-run single in the fourth game the pitchers all they needed.

One play set the tone for this game, and it occurred in the top of the first.

With nobody out and Hawk runners on first and second, O'Toole singled to center. The lead baserunner rounded third base and headed for home.

Franzese scooped up the ball and gunned down the runner at the plate as Cushman applied the tag. Salzman proceeded to get the next two batters to pop up to Reinhard, and the Hawks hardly threatened again.

They also made it easier for Harvard to break through in the bottom of the fourth. Kreuder singled to lead off and was safe at second when the shortstop booted Lee's grounder. Cushman then laid down a sacrifice bunt, but pitcher Beth Love made an errant throw to first to load the bases.

Up stepped pinch-hitter Hartl. She feasted on Love's offering, lofting a shot to deep right over the fielder's head to score pinch runner Sue Traub and Lee.

"I had been in a little bit of a slump, but I have pulled myself out of it the past couple of games," said Hartl, who went 2-4 with 3 RBI in the two games.

Cupp relieved Salzman at the top of the fifth and struck out four in three innings of work to pick up the save. Cupp allowed just one hit, while Salzman yielded only four in her four innings of work.

"We had excellent pitching performances today," Allard said. "It was one of the best pitching performances that we've had by the staff."

Ivy Honors